Failure to Maintain Clean and Homelike Environment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to maintain a clean, safe, and homelike environment for eight residents, as evidenced by multiple observations of uncleanliness and disrepair in resident rooms and shared spaces. Surveyors observed used urinals, uncovered hampers with soiled clothing emitting strong odors, thick layers of dust on wall heaters and window shelves, sticky floors, candy wrappers, cobwebs, and broken sink drain plugs. Additionally, there were visible stains, splatters, and scrapes on walls and ceilings, missing tiles, and exposed pressed wood in closets. Residents confirmed that staff did not move beds to clean underneath or repair damaged walls, and maintenance staff were unaware of the areas needing repair. The residents affected included individuals with varying levels of cognitive impairment, as indicated by their BIMS scores, ranging from severely impaired to cognitively intact. The observations were confirmed by the Regional Manager of the contracted housekeeping service, who acknowledged staffing shortages and delays in cleaning due to call-offs and weather-related lateness. The facility was unable to provide evidence that deep cleaning had been performed in resident rooms for the month in question, as requested by surveyors. A review of facility policies revealed that daily cleaning procedures required high dusting and disinfection of high-touch surfaces, and the homelike environment policy emphasized providing a safe, clean, and comfortable setting. Despite these policies, the observed conditions did not meet the outlined standards, and the lack of documentation for deep cleaning further demonstrated the facility's failure to ensure a clean and homelike environment for its residents.